Gulangyu, the destination

As Xiamen’s largest satellite islet, Gulangyu Island is renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics, and varied colonial architecture.

A tiny islet covering a total area of 1.78 square kilometers, Gulangyu Island is located just off the southwest coast of Xiamen. The name Gulangyu（鼓浪屿）also has musical roots, as Gulang （鼓浪）means "drum waves," so-called because of the sound generated by the ocean waves hitting the reefs. Yu (屿) means "islet."

As Xiamen’s largest satellite islet, Gulangyu Island is renowned for its delicate natural beauty, ancient relics, and varied colonial architecture. Sunlight Rock, the highest peak on the islet, is the most famous symbol of Gulangyu.

Gulanyu is also known as China's "Piano Island" due to the inordinate number of pianos owned by local residents and their enthusiasm for music. Currently, there are more than 5,000 pianos owned by local families, the highest density of pianos per capita in the whole country. China's only piano museum was established on the island in the year 2000 and now has more than 100 valuable and ancient pianos on display.

On Gulangyu, there spread all over different styles of architecture. Among those, about 70% were built in the twenties to thirties of the 20th century.

From the baroque buildings to the Gothic cathedral, from the Shanghai-style alley to the Fujian-style courtyard, Gulangyu is filled with a variety of architectural styles. That's why it is often described as a showcase island of architecture, attracting architecture students from across the nation and the world every year who come to learn and find a source of inspiration.

Vehicles are forbidden on Gulangyu Island. Exploring on foot is the best way to get to know the small island. Along the way, there are scenic spots, churches, and colonial villas. You will find the best of cafes, local seafood restaurants, local eateries, and street food galore almost everywhere you go. Staying on the islet overnight, you can choose from the experience of top boutique hotels to small inns and B&B’s.

Among the many scenic spots on the island, the most popular are Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden. Sunlight rock is at the summit of Gulangyu Island, and you can take a cable car up to it or climb up by foot to the top of the mountain where you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the island and parts of Xiamen city. Other main attractions on Gulangyu are the Zheng Chenggong Memorial Hall, Piano Museum, Bright Moon Park, and Xiamen Underwater World.